Natural History of Sierra Nevada Birds

General Description:

The study of natural history means that we look at the entire web of life and in this class we will examine the many resources that support bird populations in a variety of northern Sierra Nevada habitats, using our curiosity and eyes to observe all aspects of the landscape and its birds. From mountain lookouts to lush forests and fertile wetlands we will explore a diversity of birds, learning how to identify species and understand their lives. Most of our best birding will be done in the morning and late afternoon, with breaks during the mid-day heat to rest or travel between sites, but we will have additional optional activities like evening owling or a lecture and dissection to learn about bird anatomy.

Instructor

Class Schedule

Plan to arrive at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus on Sunday in order to get settled in and meet your fellow classmates. We will get acquainted that evening, but class officially begins after breakfast on Monday. The week's activities will be flexible to take advantage of our best viewing opportunities but in general each day’s schedule begins promptly after breakfast. Each day we’ll head to a different destination in order to explore as many habitats as possible. Some days we have down time during the heat of the day, other days we keep moving from site to site. But each day the plan is to return to the field campus by dinnertime. Lectures and discussions may be held informally in the field or in the evening. Class ends on Friday about noon-ish.

Supplies and Other Useful Items

Field gear

binoculars

spotting scope (optional)

Camping gear

Clothing

Days are warm, even hot, while evenings are quite cold (close to
freezing). Clothing that can be layered for variable weather conditions is
best. T-shirts and shorts are often perfect during the day, with a wind
jacket or raincoat as backup. Long pants, warmer shirts and sweaters with a
coat are necessary in the evening. Comfortable shoes, sun hat, wool hat and
gloves are important. Old sneakers or rubber boots and a swimsuit may come in handy while visiting marshes. Miscellaneous: Day pack, sunscreen, insect repellent, raingear, alarm clock, water bottles, hat etc.

Miscellaneous

day pack

sunscreen

insect repellant

alarm clock

water bottles

SUGGESTED READING

Sierra Nevada Birds. David Lukas. Lukas Guides. A comprehensive guide to the life history and distribution of all the birds in the Sierra Nevada.Order at www.lukasguides.com

Sierra Nevada Natural History, T. I. Storer, R. L. Usinger, D. Lukas; The classic book on all aspects
of the natural history of the Range of Light.Order at UC Press

A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide to the Sierra Nevada, S. Whitney. A modern and comprehensive guide to the
region's natural history.Order at Amazon